I know tha the stuff is lighter and stronger but how much could really be gained by them

aware that the weight loss would help with issues of valve float and even allow you run a lighter spring

but really is it worth it?

 

Depends on the rest of the circumstances....

Stock valves at about a pound apiece, 6000 RPM short block, etc.... not worth it. On the other hand, if you do all your work on Sunday afternoons and your co-workers are named Earnhardt, Gordon, Stewart, etc., then they're the difference between winning and not qualifying at all.

You don't run a lighter spring with them; instead, you get to eliminate the valves bouncing off the seat from the ratio of sheer mass of the moving parts to the spring pressure.

What are you thinking about using them for?

 

well I don't really do much with piston motors right now

but I am wanting to build either a 327 or 302 one of these days. yeah yeah I know 350 will give me more power you guys will say, but I like to dink with things that aren't that common.

I like the little high wind motors but not sure yet... too much time and money is going to my rotary as is

 

You must be rounding WAY up for example's sake. Most of the stock valve I look at are in the 110g range - 140 with retainers. Unless you're using the depleted uranium valves...

 

jeff, i think the depleted uranium gives new meaning to bullet proof parts, or would they be piston penetrating valves?

 

I think it doesn't take a lot of special metallurgy to find something that will penetrate a piston top. Plain old steel works just fine compared to most aluminum alloys.

Even some of the Olds, Pontiac, and BBC valves are only going out at about 160g.

But the more I think about RB's statement, he was probably considering the mass of the entire valvetrain parts. Between the valve (110g), retainer & locks (18g), push rod (38g), one-third of the rocker (130g), half the spring mass (47g), and the lifter (another 115g for a roller), the total 330g) is getting much closer to a pound or reciprocating mass. Throw in an extra 30g for a valve rotator and allow for some varnish and drag, and you almost have a 3/4-pounder with cheese. I should know better than to question him. Then again, if it were Five-7-Kid I would have thought possibly the thin air was getting to him. Since RB is in the lowlands, all I can guess is that cabin fever might been taking its toll...

 

i'm inclined to agree. i was just down at summit today, and i find myself wishing that spring were coming sooner.

i might also add that i'm getting snow right now.

seeing the cars covered under snow is really bugging me.